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Rippling vs BambooHR — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Rippling and BambooHR to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
BambooHR takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for smbs with 25-500 employees wanting unified hr. Rippling (4.3) is the better pick if you need tech companies wanting hr + it unified.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Rippling | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(156) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | subscription |
| Starter Price | $8/employee/mo | $6/employee/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Tech companies wanting HR + IT unified | SMBs with 25-500 employees wanting unified HR |
| Verdict | Most Innovative HR | Best SMB HR Platform |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Rippling | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | ||
| IT Management | — | |
| Device Management | — | |
| App Provisioning | — | |
| Spend Management | — | |
| Applicant Tracking | — | |
| Onboarding | — | |
| Time-Off Management | — | |
| Performance Reviews | — |
Rippling
Pros
- ✓Unmatched HR + IT automation
- ✓Global payroll capability
- ✓Incredibly powerful workflows
Cons
- ✕Pricing is opaque
- ✕Can be complex to configure
- ✕Sales process is aggressive
BambooHR
Pros
- ✓Exceptional user experience
- ✓Strong all-in-one feature set
- ✓Great employee self-service
Cons
- ✕No free plan
- ✕Payroll is an add-on
- ✕Limited for complex org structures
The Bottom Line
Both Rippling and BambooHR are solid tools in the HR & Recruiting space. BambooHR edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and is the better choice for smbs with 25-500 employees wanting unified hr. However, if you prioritize tech companies wanting hr + it unified, Rippling is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rippling better than BambooHR?▼
BambooHR scores higher overall with a 4.5 rating vs 4.3. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Rippling is best for Tech companies wanting HR + IT unified, while BambooHR is best for SMBs with 25-500 employees wanting unified HR.
Can I switch from Rippling to BambooHR?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. BambooHR offers trial options to help you evaluate the switch.
Which is more affordable, Rippling or BambooHR?▼
Rippling starts at $8/employee/mo, while BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo.